I just finished watching the film. It was gripping, based on the book by Ayn Rand. I’m not sure I can agree with the portrayal of a future of total incompetence of our government and distorted way of life. But, after listening to some of the political debates recently, one could see how her picture might come into focus. A truly scary thought.
One of many charming lighthouses along the Great Lakes.
Technology/automation has had its impact on these lighthouses as well …
Do these rules apply to the legislators as well?
Home of some of the wealthiest boat owners!
This day was absolutely gorgeous.
In a recent blog post, I made reference to the ABC News series that if only 5% of our businesses were to buy only American made products, we would increase the number of jobs in this country by 250,000!
A funny thing happened when I watched television the other day … Harry’s Law. The protagonist was arrested by a police officer for driving a Mercedes in a small town that made it illegal to own, drive or park a foreign vehicle in the town!
Though coincidental, this program takes the idea to its ultimate. The argument in opposition to the law, obviously, was the Commerce Clause (and perhaps not so obviously, the First Amendment) … One point of the story was that this country was founded on the principles of of tolerance and inclusiveness; that is our strength.
In California, as all over the country, state support for higher education is decreasing. For example, in 2001, 70% of a state law school’s operation’s costs were covered; in 2010, such funds covered only 30%. In 1965, my enrollment costs were in the hundreds of dollars; in 1991, tuition and fees for the academic year were a bit more than $3,000; and today, the number is close to $45,000 … PER ACADEMIC YEAR. All states are in similar positions.
And on the federal level, Congress is considering eliminating the student loan program! If that does happen, higher education will truly be only for the rich and perhaps truly gifted who may be eligible for scholarship.
No wonder students have to borrow money to go to school. I’m surprised that the average debt on graduation is as low as it is; the last figure I read was about $100,000.
From the seller’s perspective, i.e., the law schools, one must ask why should they lower tuition? My alma mater recently sent me a letter that stated their next entry class of 321 students comes from an applicant pool of more than 7,000! Almost 25 to 1! With demand like that, I wouldn’t lower my price, either.
But, with such high cost of entry, graduates and students are now asking whether the schools have an obligation to assure their employment after college … In fact, several lawsuits have already been filed, and more to come, asking this very question. As I wrote in an earlier blog, the schools are not managing students’ expectations very well.
The Dean of my alma mater, a top tier school, said at graduation this year that he is sad to say that last year’s class still has a considerable number of unemployed students … and that this year’s graduating class will likewise find a tough employment market. Not only are many, a rather large percentage, unemployed, they also lack the practical knowledge and skills to open their own law practice. This is a skill the law schools do not even feign to teach. It is beyond their "professional standing."
Under these circumstances, perhaps schools need to post a consumer warning on each application: Caution: Attending Law School May Be Hazardous To Your Pocketbook. There is no guarantee that you will be gainfully employed for your ability to practice law. And, in fact, disclosing you have a law degree may be deleterious for other employment. The prospective employer may worry that you’re just hanging around, waiting for a legal position to open up, or that you are too smart for the job under consideration.
Isn’t that a double whammy!?
Is higher education a right? No. Should it be? Perhaps. But three things are clear:
Politicians need to take note: The teaching of our youth, even through college, is our primary responsibility and should not be compromised. Fighting war cost trillions! Educating our young cost millions! The former is irrelevant if the latter is left untended.
Great tree … and so inviting to climb!
On one evening of the year, we can be legitimately scared. But, don’t run your practice out of fear the rest of the year. Know the financial metrics for your success and how to achieve it by improving the condition of your clients.
The Haunted House:
Minnesota has many who express their opinions. This is the home of the "great walkout." After the last great bru-ha-ha, recall votes were taken … and now the legislature is more evenly balanced .. Surprise! The legislators are actually doing what their supposed to … legislating and compromising to meet the issues of importance to the people
This protester was seeking to complain to Pres. Obama. A hunger strike for 68 days .. could have fooled me. He didn’t look too hungry. He must have been HUGE when he started his strike.
What good is a permit? Guess they really want to protect the judges whose decisions may be questionable.
If they’re trying to protect the adversaries, I don’t think this building will protect anyone.
Not a laughing matter …